What is the deal with using synthetic oils in a rotary engine?
This seems to come up a lot. Net wisdom preaches that you shouldn’t use a synthetic oil in your rotary is because the engine sprays some oil in with the fuel to lubricate the apex seals on the rotors. Synthetic oils do not combust fully, which leaves deposits between the seal and the rotor itself. This buildup prevents the seal from sliding like it should, which leads to premature seal wear and engine failure. Many people will tell you that they use synthetics all the time in their rotary and that it doesn’t cause any problems at all. The fact of the matter is that synthetics don’t make your engine run faster or better. They cost more, and you really should change them just as often. It is cheaper to run conventional oil. Synthetics are great in the differential and the transmission, just make sure that the differential fluid you use is the proper type or it will cause problems with some types of limited slip differentials. Use the RedLine oil in the transmission and the differential.
